Resume / Cover Letter Screening?

Question

Hey everyone,

Quick context: I'm a master's student eyeing MBB applications in the near future, and I think my profile is competitive enough to at least give it a real shot. My grades are solid right now, and honestly, waiting feels riskier than going for it.

Here's my situation — I've put together my CV and cover letter and got some informal feedback from classmates who've gone through the process themselves. But I'm still not 100% sure my materials are where they need to be for the screening stage, and I'd really love a more experienced eye on them.

The catch: I'm on a pretty tight budget, so paid coaching isn't really on the table for me right now. Is there any realistic way to get quality feedback on application materials without spending a lot (or anything)? I've thought about reaching out to consultants directly, but I'm honestly not sure if that's considered appropriate or if it just comes across as awkward.

Any tips, resources, or personal experiences would be super helpful. Appreciate it!

Answer 1

It's totally understandable to feel that anxiety about your application materials, especially when you know how high the stakes are for MBB and you're navigating a tight budget. Many top candidates find themselves in this exact spot.

Here's the reality: getting truly quality feedback on your CV and cover letter without existing connections or a paid service can be challenging. Consultants are incredibly busy, and a cold outreach asking for a full review often gets lost or feels a bit transactional. However, that doesn't mean it's impossible, but it requires a strategic approach.

Your absolute best bet, and often overlooked, is your university's career services. They frequently have dedicated consulting advisors, or they can connect you with alumni who work at MBB and are explicitly there to help students. These professionals often have direct insight into what the firms look for and are usually paid by the university, making their time "free" to you. Second, if you do reach out to consultants directly, shift your approach: start by asking for a 15-minute informational interview to learn about their experience and career path, not to review your resume. If that conversation goes well and you build a bit of rapport, you can then politely ask if they'd be open to a quick look at your materials at a later point. The key is to build the relationship first.

Focus on leveraging the resources already available to you through your institution, and when networking, prioritize building genuine connections before asking for a favor. It might take a bit more legwork, but it's the most realistic path to getting that insider feedback without opening your wallet.

All the best with your applications!

Answer 2

Hi there,

You can definitely get quality feedback on your CV and cover letter, and it can make a real difference in getting past the initial screening. Having an experienced eye look at your materials helps ensure your achievements are clearly structured, quantified, and presented in a way that resonates with MBB recruiters. Even strong grades and solid experience benefit from a strategic framing of impact and results.

A focused session can help you identify any gaps, highlight what stands out, and make sure your CV and cover letter show your story in the most compelling way. You’ll also get guidance on tailoring them to the specific MBB offices or roles you’re targeting. It’s less about rewriting your CV and more about optimizing the framing, flow, and language so you maximize your chances in the first screening stage.

If you want, I can work with you to refine your materials and give actionable feedback that will make your application stronger and more competitive.

Best,
Evelina

Answer 3

Part of your MBB prep should be serious networking (as you of course know). Ideally you will apply in any case through a (networked) connection of yours (vs. online portal or email to HR), perhaps alumni from your Master's program. Fairly common for a good contact to anonymously pitch your profile to HR to get their reaction. Don't forget - all these firms typically offer some sort of cash bonus if you get hired and stay on for a certain period.

Besides the application itself, these contacts will help you refine your Behavioral / Fit questions and provide you all the inside scoop on the potential interviewers / office's current project focus and other invaluable things (culture, corporate events, etc.) to signal your interviewers you have done your homework.